Supreme Court: Lawmakers Must Testify On New Maps

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) — In the midst of a lawsuit challenging whether lawmakers violated the constitution when they drew new congressional districts, the Supreme court ruled Friday lawmakers may be forced to testify as part of the lawsuit.

The decision Friday is a victory for the League of Women Voters and others who are suing over the new political boundaries approved in 2012. They argue that the Republican controlled Legislature didn’t follow a constitutional amendment that says it can’t draw districts intended to protect incumbents or members of a certain political party.

The groups are hoping lawmakers can be questioned about the process. Lawyers representing the House and Senate had argued such a move would violate a long-standing privilege that shields legislators from testifying in lawsuits.

The court agreed that privilege exists, but not when the constitution directs their behavior.